Princess Court Team

Michelle Spencer

CEO & District Administrator

I was born in Winnipeg, MB and returned to my parent’s hometown in 1988. This is when I was officially introduced to District of Kenora Home for the Aged. My mother worked for our Community Support Services program, which provided me with the opportunity to spend many hours volunteering with the seniors from our community and the residents within Pinecrest Home.

After completing my post-secondary education in Human Resources, I returned to Kenora to start my career and a family of my own. I married my best friend and high school boyfriend, Todd in 2003. We have two amazing children Sam, eighteen, who has started her post-secondary education in healthcare and my son Jaxon, fifteen, who looks forward to becoming a police officer.

I started my career with Kenora District Homes in 2005, holding various roles. Throughout the years, I continued to grow and demonstrated fundamental leadership skills, which resulted in accepting the CEO & District Administrator position in July 2023.

I look forward to continuing to enrich the lives of those we serve.

Ben Borton

Administrator

I was born and raised in Dryden, Ontario, and I’m proud to continue calling this community home. I have been a dedicated team member at Princess Court Long Term Care Facility since 2004, working as a Registered Practical Nurse for over 20 years. In September 2025, I was honoured to step into the role of Site Administrator, and I look forward to continuing to enrich the lives of those we serve and support our incredible staff in this new capacity.

Outside of work, I’ve been married to my wife Amanda since 2006. Together, we’re raising our two wonderful children here in Dryden. Our daughter Peyton, born in 2008, is currently in Grade 12, and our son Nixon, born in 2014, is in Grade 6. We chose to raise our family in Dryden because of the many benefits small-town life offers — a strong sense of community, close-knit connections, and a great environment for our kids to grow up in.

We’re a proud hockey family and spend countless hours in arenas across the region. Whether we’re at the rink or at home, we value time spent together and the memories we create as a family.

I’m passionate about providing compassionate, high-quality care and look forward to continuing to serve the residents, families, and staff at Princess Court in this new leadership role.

Lisa Oakes

Director of Finance

I have fond memories of my childhood growing up on a small hobby farm in Lac Du Bonnet, Manitoba with my parents and brother.

With passion for the lake life, my spouse Darcy and I found a way to make Kenora our home and moved here in 2011. We have been together for over 14 years and we absolutely fell in love with the area.

After getting settled in Kenora, I found my way back to the work I love. Inspired by my mother’s lifelong commitment to compassionate care, with 44 years in the healthcare environment, I have integrated those values into my own professional journey. After working 6 years in the regional healthcare system in Manitoba and now over 6 years at the District of Kenora Home for the Aged; I have cultured the lessons of empathy, patience, and dedication, shaping my approach to creating meaningful and supportive environments for our seniors.

My relaxations outside of work are fishing, gardening and winter escapes when I am not spending time with family, friends or our two cats.

Ashley Hoffmeister

Director of Human Resources

I was born and raised in Kenora, and after leaving for a brief period of time for post secondary education, realized that being near my family is what matters most to me.

I’ve had a very diverse career starting out in IT, and transitioning into leadership roles, where I found a passion for system transformation, quality improvement, and strategic human resources.  I’ve worked in various healthcare streams over the past 16 years.

I met my husband Matt in 2004 and got married in 2008.  We welcomed our son Decklan into our family in 2009 and our daughter Annika in 2013.  We are a very active family, spending as much time as we can doing outdoor activities in all seasons.  In my spare time, you can find me lifting weights, or cheering my children on (loudly) at whatever sport they are participating in.

I’m excited to be part of a compassionate team who is dedicated to family and resident care.

Carolyn Hill

Director of Care

Dryden has been my home since day one. Born and raised, as well as meeting my husband Mike and raising our two children, Riley and Morgan in this amazing community. As a family we enjoy camping, fishing, hunting and close friends when possible. A good campfire always heals the soul.

Married in 1993 my family was the priority, but care of the elderly has always been important to me. Helping to care for my grandparents taught me as a young girl moving into adulthood how special our aging members are. Volunteering at our neighbour Patricia Garden was something I enjoyed growing up. As a young mom wanting to get back into the workforce, I heard Princess Court was hiring unqualified PSWs; this started the amazing career opportunities I pursued to further my education. In 2018 I received my Bachelor of science degree in Nursing and have loved every minute of my journey.

Sadly, our children have since moved on to follow their own dreams and have their own adventures post secondary school, Riley an electrician, loves improv; Morgan a high school teacher, coaching university wrestling; they come back to Dryden often to enjoy the sweet country air, family and friends.

I am excited and proud to continue to serve our aging population in Dryden in my role as DOC.

Susan Butts

Assistant Director of Care

My husband and I moved to Dryden from Thunder Bay in the early 90’s, thinking we would stay for a couple of years and then return … More than thirty two years later, our love for the outdoors and a slower-paced lifestyle has kept us here. I’ve worked in many different fields of nursing since then but found my best fit in Long Term Care. I enjoy my role of advocating for the residents and supporting our staff in providing the best care possible. My husband John and I are now near-empty-nesters. We have two grown children, Lauren who teaches French Immersion locally and Aidan who is currently away at university. Outside of work you’ll find me cooking, crafting, gardening, and continuing to enjoy my love of the outdoors.

Robin Corner

Program Services Coordinator

Hello, my name is Robin Corner and I am the Program Services Coordinator here at Princess Court since April 2022 ! I have been with PC since the doors opened in 2000 in variety of roles such PSW – RPN with upgrading courses and registration’s along the way. I have a beautiful 21 yr daughter Madi who is also at this time doing her College Placement with us. I have lived in Dryden all my life – well actually a Oxdrift girl at heart. I have thoroughly enjoyed my new role as Program Services Coordinator this past year/half with both challenges and tribulations. My sincerest thank you to our Resident’s – Family’s – Volunteer’s and Service Clubs – Thank you for given me the honor of being a part of your lives. Additional shout out to my Staff who are up for the challenge of new idea’s (even the craziest one’s I come up with at 2am in the morning and bring to work the next day) – and make this Dept complete.

Barb Gauthier

Food Service and Nutrition Manager

I have been employed at Princess Court for over 23 years, since it opened in 2000. I started in Dietary, went to Housekeeping, then to cook and now the Food Service manager. I was part of the setup of the home, starting before it opened.

I was a professional photographer and artist prior to that, photographing weddings, dog shows, schools and portraits. This allowed me to stay home with my three children.

My oldest daughter and my son-in-law are both RNs and have blessed me with two beautiful grandsons. My younger daughter lives in Dryden and my son who was in University for psychology, has switched gears into a four-year carpentry apprenticeship. I feel blessed that my kids and I share many interests together.

We love camping at Blue Lake and crafting. I volunteer with our Junior A hockey team, the Dryden GM Ice Dogs, as well as volunteering in my church. I have two rescue dogs now but I used to show and breed American Cocker Spaniels and Irish Wolfhounds.

Samantha Romas

IPAC Lead

I was born and raised in Dryden, but moved to attend college and start my nursing career in Thunder Bay. It was there that I worked as an RPN at St. Joseph’s Hospital and started my family. After my second son was born I moved back to Dryden to be closer to family. I started working at Princess Court in 2018 and really found my passion for caring for the elderly.

After over 10 years as a staff nurse I started my IPAC (Infection Prevention and Control) role in 2023. I have enjoyed being part of the care team that makes an impact on the health and safety of our residents.

I love spending my free time outdoors with my three boys and two dogs making the most of all NWO has to offer!

Adam Gray

IT Manager

Born and raised in Kenora, only leaving to attend post-secondary at Lakehead University, I have always enjoyed living in Kenora and the small town atmosphere that comes with it. I met my wife Jenn in Thunder Bay at university and we have raised two amazing daughters. I have been working in the technical support service industry for almost 19 years as a Communications Technician with KMTS/Bell and for the last 11 years as an IT Administrator. My spare time includes stepping away from the computer screens to enjoy adventures with my wife and kids camping, hiking, enjoying the lake and turning wrenches on various vehicles and projects.

What brings a smile to my face and motivates me daily, is knowing that when I am doing a good job it makes my colleagues jobs easier and more enjoyable.